Children with disabilities set to gain from new county bylaw

Children with disabilities in Kajiado County are set to benefit from increased social inclusion and educational support following the implementation of the Kajiado County Disability Mainstreaming Act.

The Act, enacted by the Kajiado County Assembly, established a Sh50-million fund to support social inclusion programmes for children and persons with disabilities.

According to Kajiado County Director for Social Services, Irene Katete, Sh6.5 million has so far been disbursed to support 261 children living with disabilities in secondary schools, colleges, universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and special schools.

“The programme has created a high level of awareness and this season alone, we received over 700 applications from children living with disabilities. After a rigorous vetting process, we identified more than 400 beneficiaries who will benefit from a Sh10 million kitty to support their education,” said Katete.

She said the initiative aims to create an enabling environment where children with disabilities can access quality education and compete equally with their peers.

Katete noted that the Act has also established a board and a fund management committee, with 70 per cent of the membership comprising persons living with disabilities and 30 per cent able-bodied persons to ensure inclusivity in decision-making.

She further revealed that the county government, in partnership with the organization Joni and Friends from the United States of America, has distributed 500 assistive devices to needy and vulnerable persons living with disabilities.

Additionally, Action Foundation has contributed Sh6 million towards the implementation of the Disability Mainstreaming Act, with the funds being used to address disability prevention and rehabilitation through a community-based rehabilitation model.

Katete said the county has also developed complementary policies aimed at improving the welfare of children, including the Kajiado County Nutrition Policy, the Kajiado County Child Care Facilities Policy, which promotes safe environments for children aged between zero and four years, and the Kajiado County Child Protection Policy, which seeks to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of children across the county.

The Kajiado County Assembly adopted the Kajiado County Disability Mainstreaming Act in the year 2023.

by Diana Meneto